My 2001 Mercury Sable will not shift out of park even with the brake on. Is there a switch I can change?

Question

I can turn the key one click and it will shift out of park.

Answer 1

The car is designed to allow the shift k**b move only with the pedal depressed and the key with the ignition on, If that's the click you are referring then is normal.

If this is not the case and it  is locked when it shouldn't, then you are looking at a failure on one of three components.

1.- Brake switch at the upper part of the brake pedal

2.- Locking solenoid at the shifter mechanism

3.- Ignition Switch

There is also a unlock bypass mechanism at the shifter.  you can use a screwdriver to manually release the shifter.

Answer 2

Ford products are famous for this.Yes...you need to check the stop lamp switch which is located on top of the brake pedal (get down on the drivers floorboard & look up towards top of pedal.If you see a loose wire-hook it back up.If wire is connected...replace the switch).I see that you found "the trick" to moving/driving the car...yes on Ford products you can turn the key to the on position (w/o starting),shift into nuetral,then start the car,find "D",& drive to the parts house.

Answer 3

its supposed to stay in park till you start the car then you have to step on the brake to move it into a gear. Your question isn't clear.

Answer 4

Stop light switch,below the brake pedal,if so you also do not have brake lights when you step on the brake.Easy and cheap to replace.

Answer 5

Your question says two thing which are opposite.